Manton, William F. 1854-1927

MANTON, THORNTON, MADDEN, HAWES

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/17/2017 at 12:26:09

William F. Manton died at his home one mile east of the Wexford church, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 2nd.

He had been failing in health for the last two years but had recently seemed much improved. Suddenly and unexpectedly he became ill and in a very short time passed away.

He was a faithful member of the Catholic church and died fortified by its rites, conscious to the last and expressing confidence in God and resignation to His will.

Mr. Manton was well and favorably known over all the eastern part of Allamakee county. He was a man of sterling character, honest and upright; big-hearted and unselfish; one who always looked on the bright side of life. He had a cheerful and genial manner, seeming to like and see God in every one he met. Of him it could truly be said:
"None knew him but to love him,
None named him but to praise."

As a citizen he spared neither time nor labor to aid and project what would benefit the community.

In his home he was a kind and loving husband and father, and his loss will be deeply felt by his bereaved family.

He was born in Wexford on Dec. 29, 1854, and lived his entire life in Lafayette township. He was married in 1882 to Nellie Thornton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thornton.

To this union nine children were born, of whom seven survive: Mrs. Mort Madden and Mrs. Leo Hawes of Wexford; Veronica, a student nurse at St. Francis Hospital, La Crosse; Martin of Marquette; Thomas of Cedar Rapids; and Joe and William, Jr., at home.

Two children, Nellie and Thomas died in childhood. He is also survived by two grandsons, John William Hawes and Michael Joseph Madden.

The funeral was held from the Immaculate Conception church at 10 o'clock, Monday, April 4th. The Rev. Father Power celebrated a requiem High Mass and preached the sermon, a fitting tribute to the deceased.

He was laid to rest in the Wexford cemetery. The pallbearers were Thos. Brennan, Thos. Calvey, Sam Gilliand, Michael Madden, Thos. Whalen and J.J. Hawes, all neighbors and lifelong friends.

~The Witness; Dubuque, IA; Thursday, April 14, 1927 (Around the Archdiocese column)